LEVONORGESTREL/ETHINYL ESTRADIOL/IRON - ORAL
PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (LEE-voe-nor-JES-trel/ETH-i-nil ES-tra-DYE-ol/EYE-urn)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Balcoltra
GENERIC NAME(S): levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol/ferrous bisglycinate
Uses
USES: This combination hormone medication is used to prevent pregnancy. It contains 2 hormones: levonorgestrel (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). It works mainly by preventing the release of an egg (ovulation) during your menstrual cycle. It also makes vaginal fluid thicker to help prevent sperm from reaching an egg (fertilization) and changes the lining of the uterus (womb) to prevent attachment of a fertilized egg. There is a small amount of iron in each of the 7 inactive tablets taken during the fourth week. The inactive pills do not contain any hormones. These tablets are meant to keep you in the habit of taking 1 tablet each day and do not have enough iron to treat iron deficiency. Besides preventing pregnancy, birth control pills may make your periods more regular, decrease blood loss and painful periods, and decrease your risk of ovarian cysts. This drug does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (such as HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, syphilis). To decrease your risk of infection, always use an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condom/dental dams) during all sexual activity.
How to use LEVONORGESTREL/ETHINYL ESTRADIOL/IRON - ORAL
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a refill. The leaflet contains very important information on when to take your pills and what to do if you miss a dose. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Pick a time of day that is easy for you to remember, and take your pill at the same time each day. It is very important to keep taking this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the package instructions to find the first tablet, start with the first tablet in the pack, and take them in the correct order. Do not skip any doses. Pregnancy is more likely if you miss pills, start a new pack late, or take your pill at a different time of the day than usual. If you have vomiting or diarrhea within 4 hours after taking your tablet, follow the directions in the Patient Information Leaflet for what to do if you miss a dose. Vomiting or diarrhea can prevent your birth control pills from working well. If vomiting or diarrhea continues, use a back-up birth control method (such as condoms, spermicide) and check with your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Taking this medication after your evening meal or at bedtime may help if you have any stomach upset or nausea with the medication. You may choose to take this medication at another time of day that is easier for you to remember. No matter what dosing schedule you use, it is very important that you take this medication at the same time each day, 24 hours apart. Your pill pack contains 21 pills with active medication. It also contains 7 reminder pills with iron. Take one active pill (with hormones) once daily for 21 days in a row. Take one inactive pill (with iron) once daily for 7 days in a row after you have taken the last active pill unless otherwise directed by your doctor. You should have your period during the fourth week of the cycle. After you have taken the last iron tablet in the pack, start a new pack the next day even if your period is continuing or if you do not have your period. If you do not get your period, consult your doctor. If you are taking certain medications (such as levodopa, levothyroxine, penicillamine, tetracyclines, quinolones such as ciprofloxacin) that can interact with iron, ask your doctor whether you should throw away the reminder pills (iron tablets) each day rather than taking them. Iron can decrease the effect of these medications. If this is the first time you are using this medication and you are not switching from another form of hormonal birth control (such as patch, other birth control pills), take the first tablet in the pack on the first Sunday following the beginning of your menstrual period or on the first day of your period. If your period begins on a Sunday, begin taking this medication on that day. For the first cycle of use only, use an additional form of non-hormonal birth control (such as condoms, spermicide) for the first 7 days to prevent pregnancy until the medication has enough time to work. If you start on the first day of your period, you do not need to use back-up birth control the first week. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about how to switch from other forms of hormonal birth control (such as patch, other birth control pills) to this product. If any information is unclear, consult the Patient Information Leaflet or your doctor or pharmacist.
Side Effects
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Faq for LEVONORGESTREL/ETHINYL ESTRADIOL/IRON - ORAL
Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol/Iron is a combination medication used as a contraceptive to prevent pregnancy.
This medication works by preventing the release of an egg from the ovaries (ovulation) and by changing the cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus, making it difficult for sperm to reach the uterus and for a fertilized egg to implant.
Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, headache, breast tenderness, irregular bleeding, and changes in weight. Consult your doctor if these symptoms persist or worsen.
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Usually, one tablet is taken daily for 28 days, starting on the first day of your menstrual period or as directed by your healthcare provider. It is important to take the pills in the correct order and without skipping any doses.
If you miss a dose, follow the instructions provided with the medication. Generally, if you miss one active pill, take two pills on the day you remember. If you miss two active pills in a row in the first two weeks of the pack, take two pills daily for two days. If you miss two active pills in a row in the third week of the pack, skip the placebo pills and immediately begin a new pack. If you miss three or more active pills in a row, consult your doctor for further instructions.
Yes, Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol/Iron can interact with certain medications, including antibiotics, anticonvulsants, antifungal drugs, HIV medications, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking to avoid any potential interactions.
Warning
WARNING: Smoking raises your risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, and high blood pressure from hormonal birth control (such as the pill, patch, ring). The risk of these serious problems increases with age and with the number of cigarettes you smoke. Do not smoke or use tobacco. Do not use this medication if you smoke cigarettes/use tobacco and are over 35 years old. Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children younger than 6 years. Keep this product out of reach of children. If overdose does occur, get medical help right away or call a poison control center.
Disclaimer
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
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